On this day, Oct. 29, in 1964, surfing champion Jack Murphy stole the Star of India sapphire from the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Dubbed the “Jewel Heist of the Century,” thieves unlocked a bathroom window during open hours and climbed in that night. The alarm for the Star of India didn’t work because the battery was dead. Police quickly captured the thieves, including Murphy. Known as “Murf the Surf,” Murphy was a former violin prodigy, national surfing champion, tennis pro and movie stunt man.
The Star of India was found in a Miami bus station locker.
In 1968, Murphy was sent to prison again for killing a woman who was found in a creek near the body of another woman.
Murphy, now, 72, ministers to prisoners.
— Scott McCabe
